How to live longer: Dr Chris reveals three numbers that could boost your life expectancy
Long life expectancy could be achieved by knowing three “crucial” numbers, according to ITV This Morning’s Dr Chris – blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. According to the TV doctor, these numbers are “vital to know”.
The reason these numbers are so important is they are linked to conditions that can kill.
High blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol can all lead to life-threatening conditions if left untreated.
And worryingly, patients with these conditions don’t usually feel symptoms.
Dr Chris added: “These conditions are silent, but in the background they can result in disease and death.”
To find out these three numbers, Dr Chris advised ringing your GP practice and making an appointment to see your practice nurse.
High blood pressure can be measured there and then.
Or to avoid “white coat hypertension”, when blood pressure rises when a person is in a clinical setting, at-home blood pressure monitors are available to buy from your local pharmacy.
If you’re using a blood pressure monitor at home, Dr Chris advised measuring your blood pressure in the morning and evening to see any differences.
Dr Chris said: “Your blood pressure reading should be under 140/90.
“Above that, you need to see your practice nurse or GP.”
Your GP will carry out a test to measure your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
The best test of blood sugar levels is early in the morning.
Dr Chris also advised looking at your family tree.
He recommended: “Have a look at your family tree because these conditions may be inherited, coming through the family.
“Look how old people were when they died. Can you find out the cause of death?”
How to prevent high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol
High blood pressure can be prevented or reduced by eating healthily, maintaining a healthy weight, taking regular exercise, drinking alcohol in moderation and not smoking, according to the NHS.
Type 2 diabetes is often linked to being overweight or inactive, or having a family history of type 2 diabetes.
Again, the health body says a healthy diet and keeping active can help manage blood sugar levels.
Cholesterol can be lowered by eating less fatty food.
The health body states: “To reduce your cholesterol, try to cut down on fatty food, especially food that contains a type of fat called saturated fat.
“You can still have foods that contain a healthier type of fat called unsaturated fat.”
Exercising more, stopping smoking and cutting down on alcohol can also help.
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